Barbara M. (Bowman) Shade, 86, wife of the late William M. Shade, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Keystone Villa.
Born in Sacramento, PA, she was the daughter of the late Melvin and Marguerite (Hornberger) Bowman and resided in Gilbertsville, PA for 40 years.
Barbara was very creative and artistic. She was an amazing quilter and was a member of the Boyertown Quilt Guild. Barbara owned and operated The Bridal Villa in Quakertown for 15 years. Following her retirement from the bridal shop, she worked at the front desk of her daughter’s optometry office. Barbara was the “Grammy” of the neighborhood kids, in Gilbertsville, and her house would often be the hangout spot.
Surviving is her daughter Michele Shade-Hinchliffe, wife of Greg; daughter Tammy Sibalic, wife of Michael; sister Mary Ann “Mim” Morgan; and granddaughter Leah Sibalic. She is predeceased by her brothers Melvin Jr. “Sonny” Bowman and Roger Bowman.
Services will be held privately by the family at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America (https://www.dementiasociety.org/) in Barbara’s name.